Fratello’s Fantasy Pick: Tyson Chandler

For fantasy owners looking to make some early adjustments to their rosters, 2012 NBA Defensive Player of The Year Tyson Chandler of the Knicks could be a valuable addition. The 2001 second overall pick out of Dominguez High School in Los Angeles won his first NBA title in 2011 with the Mavericks.

Last season, a three-team trade landed the 11th-year veteran in Gotham City, where he joined Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. Together these three formed one of the most potent frontcourts in the league.

Playing in 62 of the lockout-shortened schedule of 66 games, 7’1” Chandler averaged 11.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.4 bpg and almost 1 steal per contest. He posted game highs of 25 points, 17 boards (3X), 6 blocks and 4 steals.

Chandler’s partner in the paint, 6X NBA All-Star Stoudemire, missed 19 of the 66 contests due to injury. When Stoudemire was out of the New York lineup, Chandler’s numbers soared, especially on the boards.

On Wednesday, October 31st, Stoudemire had left knee surgery and won’t be available to coach Mike Woodson until the new year at the earliest. Even then, his effectiveness will be a question, and initially he’ll carry a limited workload.

The Knickerbockers will need Chandler to help pick up the slack left by Amar’e’s absence, so look for Chandler’s numbers to get a boost across the board.